In second year, Dak Prescott is now the face of the Dallas Cowboys franchise

Quarterback Dak Prescott fires a pass during the first day of the Dallas Cowboys' training camp in Oxnard on Monday. The Cowboys are expecting a lot from Prescott, who burst onto the NFL scene with a tremendous rookie season.(Photo: MICHAEL OWEN BAKER/AP)

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Quarterback Dak Prescott fires a pass during the first day of the Dallas Cowboys' training camp in Oxnard on Monday. The Cowboys are expecting a lot from Prescott, who burst onto the NFL scene with a tremendous rookie season. MICHAEL OWEN BAKER/AP

Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee surveys the field during training camp at the River Ridge Fields in Oxnard. After batting knee injuries in years past, Lee is coming off a healthy and productive season. KIRBY LEE/USA TODAY SPORTS

Quarterback Dak Prescott hands off to running back Ezekiel Elliott during the Cowboys' first practice of training camp in Oxnard on Monday. The Cowboys are expecting the duo to lead the offense again after both had remarkable rookie seasons. MICHAEL OWEN BAKER/AP

Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, a graduate of Cal Lutheran University, watches over his defensive unit during the opening day of training camp at River Ridge Fields in Oxnard on Monday. KIRBY LEE/USA TODAY SPORTS

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Forced into the starting role when Romo was hurt in the team’s third preseason game against Seattle last year, Prescott blossomed into an NFL star, throwing for 3,667 yards and 23 touchdowns with just four interceptions. His quarterback rating of 104.9 was the highest rookie rating in NFL history and he became the first rookie quarterback in franchise history to be elected to the Pro Bowl.

But it’s Prescott’s desire to play at an even higher level this season that has executive vice president Stephen Jones and head coach Jason Garrett excited about their new franchise quarterback.

“The great ones get better each year,” Jones said. “I think he expects that from himself. I know he puts in the work. I know he’s a leader. The team responds to him, the team wants to play hard for him. That’s rare. I think he’s going to answer the bell and I think he’s going to be better than he was last year.”

Jones said Prescott has the rare quality to handle all the pressure of being the starting quarterback of "America's Team" while maintaining a laser-like focus when it comes to his preparation.

“I’m just amazed with how he handles himself,” Jones said. “Football is first. He’s got an insatiable appetite to want to get better.”

Garrett said one of Prescott’s best traits is a willingness to learn.

“He’s trying to eat the words out of your mouth and he’s locked in on what you’re saying and immediately he tries to put it into practice — on the practice field — at that time,” Garrett said. “And he’s the kind of guy who works on it after practice. He comes back the next day and he’s better at whatever we’re asking him to do.

“He’s always prepared. He’s always striving to get better. And in my experience that’s what the best ones have. They have that desire to be great, they’re willing to try different things to break through and become a better player. He’s certainly demonstrated that, really, from Day 1.”

Last year Prescott showed up in Oxnard as a relatively unheralded rookie who was trying to secure a place on the roster. On Monday, Prescott jogged onto the field for the team’s opening practice of training camp and was greeted by loud cheers from the fans.

“There’s a lot of excitement,” Prescott told reporters as he spoke from the same makeshift podium Romo used during his time as a starter. "This time last year I wasn’t the starter, I was a guy getting minimal reps.

“To come in (today) and know I have all this time and all these reps to get better, create better chemistry with these guys on the field, I’m excited about it. One year in, so there is so much more I can get better at. Knowledge of the game, obviously you can never know enough.”

While many of his teammates grabbed the headlines during the offseason for issues off the field, Prescott, who turns 24 on Saturday, has continued to display a maturity well beyond his years.

He teamed up with “Modern Family” actor Eric Stonestreet in a public service campaign that challenged people to learn more about cancer and help raise money to fund research. It was a way to honor his mother, who died from cancer while he was at Mississippi State.

“So many people impacted my life to help me, but none more than my mom,” Prescott said. “What I do is to honor her.”

Prescott’s mother encouraged her son to push himself to be the best person and player. That work ethic helped him during his rookie training camp.

“Last year at this time I was struggling with the terminology and trying to spit out plays (in the huddle),” Prescott said. “Now a 12-word play rolls off my tongue, so that was a weakness that I made a strength.

“The only thing I can control is what I can do. So that is all I focus on, being the best individual on and off the field. I think all the rest will take care of itself.”

Prescott is focused on improving everything from dropping back from center more fluidly to his overall accuracy. He said camp is also a time to try more risky throws.

“Practice is the time to push yourself,” Prescott said. “I just need to get better all around.”

Prescott is excited to have all of his offensive teammates back in the fold. He said the unit's goals are to improve communication and efficiency.

Wide receiver Terrance Williams, who signed a four-year contract in the offseason, is excited about continuing to play alongside Prescott.

“Dak is one of those guys who doesn’t get too high or too low,” Williams said. “He stays cool, calm and collected. He listens to what people tell him.

"When you have a quarterback who pays attention to his flaws, it’s kind of hard to beat. He’s a special guy. The sky’s the limit for him.”